ML sales are in January, February, a few in March - then they usuallystop until August or September. The Optima Prois an overallserviceable rifle that shoots great in one gun.... subpar in the next. They have a nice look & pick up to the shoulder well & sight-in fast with that drop in stock. I hope the one you eventually get is a good one. Do not buy any used ones manufactured in 2003. Those are mostly troublesome. The Best Buys in that style/price category are the NEF Sidekicks. You can buythe American-made ML inwood/blued for around $159.